Secret button in your Windows 10 and 11 taskbar: Clicking it will minimize everything you have open. It’s located in the bottom right corner of your screen, past the time and notification icon — a tiny sliver. Click it again to bring your stuff back. Good one!
Do this important Wi-Fi check at least twice a year
I’m in the process of settling into a new home. The other day, someone had to log into the Wi-Fi to set up something on the network.
Right after he left, I logged in and kicked the device off my network. I’m a stickler for keeping my network safe and tidy. You should be, too, and it’s easier than you think.
Start here
Look at your network’s settings; you might be surprised at who and what has access. It’s relatively simple to get an idea of who’s using your network in your router’s online interface. Log into your router to see the most up-to-date information about which devices are connected. Most models will support this as it’s a pretty universal feature.
First, you’ll need your computer’s IP address. Tap or click here for instructions on how to find it.
Once you have it, type the IP address into your browser’s address bar. You should be brought to your router’s menu. You’ll need to log in with your router’s custom username and password or the default information if you never set one.
Once you’re in, check for a list that says DHCP Client or Connected Devices. From there, you’ll be met with a list of devices currently using your network. If you see something you don’t recognize, change your Wi-Fi password and reconnect only the devices you trust. It’s a pretty lengthy process, but one worth doing.
You can also manually remove individual devices from the list of connected gadgets. Look for the command to delete, block or remove.
Use Advanced IP Scanner
If you don’t feel comfortable digging into your network, you can always have an app do it for you. Advanced IP Scanner is a free and reliable option that delivers fast results with very little input from you. It’s compatible with Windows 10 and 11.
To use Advanced IP Scanner, you must download and install it, then run the program to analyze your wireless network. Click the large green button that says SCAN. It will commence a network scan to show all the devices currently connected to your Wi-Fi.
It should only take a few seconds, and you can export the results for safekeeping. This is an excellent method for anyone less comfortable with tech, especially since it’s fast and easy.
How to find and remove unwanted devices connected to your network
If you use wireless internet at home, you probably have several devices connected to your network. It’s so easy to keep piling on additional devices, too. Your new laptop, another video game console, a tablet or even your friend’s phone.
Microsoft’s very bad advice: Some 240 million active PCs are too old to update to Windows 11. After years of telling us otherwise, Microsoft now says you can go ahead and update your incompatible PC. The big disclaimer: Your computer might not get every security patch and update, so it’s not worth the risk.
💻 “An unspecified error has occurred”: That Windows message drives me nuts. Over the last few months, Windows 10 has grown in popularity, while Windows 11 has dropped in market share … despite Windows 10’s planned sunset on Oct. 25, 2025. Windows 10’s market share currently stands at 61.8%, compared to just 34.9% for Windows 11. No wonder folks are waiting to upgrade; about 240 million active PCs might not meet the new hardware requirements for Windows 11. Need a new system? Check out my three sweet laptop picks here!
🖥️ A solid CCleaner alternative: Microsoft released a new version of its free PC Manager app for Windows 10 and 11, and it’s way better. You can view your internet speed in real time from the taskbar and delete temp and unnecessary files even faster. Bonus: On Windows 11, you can integrate it directly into your widgets. Go get it, my Windows friends.
This panes me: On Windows 10, you might see full-screen ads for Windows 11 PCs. Reminder: Windows 10 support ends in October 2025; only CPUs from 2018 onward will support Windows 11. If you’re not ready to upgrade to Windows 11, you’ll still be able to pay $30 for an extra year of Windows 10 updates.
📅 Support for Windows 10 ends Oct. 14, 2025: You’ll be able to pay $30 for one year of extended security updates, but that’s as far as it goes. Heads-up: Windows 11 works on CPUs made in 2018 or later. Here’s a budget pick and a high-spec model (25% off) if your laptop is older.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
🔄 Patch Tuesday: Microsoft just dropped fixes for 118 security flaws, including five zero-day vulnerabilities. These bugs let hackers bypass security features, execute malicious code remotely and take control of your system — all bad stuff. Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, then click Check for updates.
End of an era: Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10 on Nov. 14, 2025. No more “free” updates, security fixes or tech assistance. Your best options? Upgrade to Windows 11 or, if yours doesn’t meet the Windows 11 upgrade requirements, buy a new PC (this $299 one is a good pick). You can also pay Microsoft for extended security updates (up to three years) or switch to a different OS, like Linux or ChromeOS Flex.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
I wonder why: Microsoft brought back its official guide for Windows 10 and 11 users wanting to switch from a cloud account to a local one. They pulled the steps from their site in June, probably to push folks toward the more ad-focused version. Want to go back? Here are the steps (at the bottom).
⚠️ Urgent Windows update: Don’t use public Wi-Fi unless you’re running the latest update for Windows 10 and 11. It fixes a vulnerability that lets crooks take over your laptop just by connecting to the same Wi-Fi network. Go to System > About. If you see 14393.7070, 22621.3737 or 22631.3737, update right away.
VPN trouble: Microsoft’s April security update is causing some VPN connections to fail on Windows 11 (versions 23H2, 22H2 and 21H2) and Windows 10 (versions 22H2 and 21H2). No patch date announced yet, so beware: Your IP address and location could be exposed. I’ll let you know when they fix this.
Hidden Windows features live in the Accessibility menu. We’re talking about the magnifier tool, text size settings, color contrast levels, voice-typing and narration features, caption settings, voice recognition and more. In Windows 10, go to Settings > Ease of Access. In Windows 11, go to Settings > Accessibility. So handy!
Microsoft will start nagging you to sign up for an online account. While it’s handy for backing up data and managing subscriptions, remember — you’re also letting them peek at your data. Switch off the prompts by going to Settings > Privacy & security > General and deselecting everything.
🖥️ Take your Windows PC to the next level: Microsoft PowerToys is a free toolkit that makes Windows 10 and 11 less cluttered. Some tools? Personalized window layouts, mass file renaming and a way to find your lost cursor.
Microsoft Quick Assist: Bet you don’t know it’s built into Windows 10 and 11. It makes it easy to share your screen with someone remotely. No install needed (love that), in case you ever need to help someone — or get help from someone — on your PC. Instructions here!
Office 2024: It’s coming this year, no subscription needed. Microsoft promises five years of support, so one purchase and you’re done. The catch? It’s missing a few bells and whistles, like Publisher and Teams. FYI: The new version will be available for macOS and Windows 10 and 11.
⚙️ Forced Windows upgrade: In a new preview update, Microsoft is pushing Windows 10 users to Windows 11 with big, in-your-face invites. That means February’s update is going to be extra annoying. Bummer.